Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered remarks on Japan at the opening of the President's Export Council. The Secretary said the United States is working to do everything it can for American and Japanese citizens.

Secretary Clinton said, "[I] just want to start by echoing the President's statement this morning about our concern and condolences over what's happened in Japan and what is yet unfolding with the tsunami. Obviously, the United States is offering immediate relief. Those of you who do business in Japan, we think we -- we've sent out a Warden Notice. We think we've accounted for most all Americans that we know of, but let us know. Our consular efforts are literally 24/7 to make sure that we assist any and all U.S. citizens and are supporting the Japanese Government.

"We just had our Air Force assets in Japan transport some really important coolant to one of the nuclear plants. Japan is very reliant on nuclear power and they have very high engineering standards, but one of their plants came under a lot of stress with the earthquake and didn't have enough coolant. And so Air Force planes were able to deliver that. So we're really deeply involved in trying to do as much as we can on behalf of the Japanese and on behalf of U.S. citizens."

Comments

Comments

Nuclear reactors are cooled with water. Does the Secretary mean to say we sent an airplane full of water to Japan?

PATRICK E.

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Mexico

March 11, 2011

Patrick E. in Mexico writes:

Haitelmex Foundation supports collaboration and sharing are and our condolences on what happened in Japan and which is still unfolding with the tsunami Obviously, the foundation offers voluntary services to help victims of Japanese citizens, foundationhaitelmex.org.

Eric

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New Mexico, USA

March 13, 2011

Eric in New Mexico writes:

BBC airing video of massive explosion completely destroying Fukushima 1 reactor building as I write this, no other confirmed details except that workers were injured.

No report on radioctivity as yet, but it looks like the reactor got away from folks and we have an environmental disaster in the making.

Margie G.

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South Carolina, USA

March 13, 2011

Margie G. in South Carolina writes:

I have a son in Japan teaching english. I am extremely concerned about his safety. Is there any way to get him home quickly?

Thank you.
Margie G.

Donald M.

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Virginia, USA

March 13, 2011

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

3 12 2011

The predictions made about 2012 look more positive of future events with this latest Earthquake in Japan. These quakes are getting larger and more deady. Maybe The State Department should invest in an ARK before its too late. I believe that was said to Noah before the biggest Tsamani hit the world for 40 days and 40 nights. I would say to people who laugh at this notion, laughed back then as well, and look at what happened. Those who have the instincts to survive will, those who take it for granted will not. I would suggest to everyone have an emergency plan on hand for any kind of situation. We have family in Japan and hope they have survived this deadly earthquake. Our hearts go out to those people to rebuild and get through this disaster.

Jess R.

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Massachusetts, USA

March 13, 2011

Jess R. in Massachusetts writes:

I am afraid we are looking at the death tool of more then 100,000â€¦ This is truly sad. The Japanese are brave, hard working people. They will overcome this tragedy and become even stronger as a nation.

Donald M.

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Virginia, USA

March 13, 2011

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

@Don in Ca

Nuclear power plants are cooled with water, but also cooled with harden water. A combination of both types of water keeps a nuclear power plant cooled. They release a certain amount of radiation vapors in the air to prevent a meltdown. If the pumps fail to bring in the water to cool it down, then problems arise. If the backup diesel generators are not online the plant deterates and the reactor gets very hot intense millions of degrees. I seriously doubt Hillary is sending a plane with coolant. Most likely supplies are being sent to the Japanese Nuclear Plants get online quick as possible before the meltdown can happen. These plants should have backup emergency plans in place when the loss of water or coolant happens. "Diesel Generators, UPS Batteries and getting fuel to these backup systems are critical. What they could also use in those Fire Rescue Boats that can disburse water from the sea directly to the area, but this would have to be done very carefully and safely using all the deconamination equipment. Removing deadly radiation vapors can be done with soap and water being sprayed with clean pure water.

The location of these Nuclear Power Plants become distrubing because why build these plants near an earthquake fault line? A review by the Nuclear watch dogs should exmaine the location of these Nuclear Power plants to ensure they are not on the path of future earthquakes.

I think everyone can agree that Nuclear Power plants can be very useful by bringing clean energy and making billions of energy dollars, but when deadly earthquakes happen, possible meltdowns happen, which means our energy scientist should be coming up with a new form of energy that does not cause a plant to melt down. We had 3 mile island happen in the United States and Russia experienced the same situation back in the early 80's. So what have we learned?